Excel Airways to cut fuel costs
March 29, 2006Excel Airways is planning to install winglets on the wing tips of four of its leased aircraft in a bid to cut fuel costs.
A growing trend in the aviation industry, the technology will be installed on the company's 737-800 airplanes and is expected to be particularly beneficial for some of the airline's longer flights.
These include flights from Gatwick to Luxor in Egypt, Tenerife and Spain, which could require up to four per cent less jet fuel, saving 115,000 gallons per plane.
It remains to be seen whether the savings will be passed on to Excel's passengers in the form of cheaper seats.
By using less thrust, engine maintenance costs can also be reduced, while noise on landing could be cut by 6.5 per cent along with carbon emissions.
Vice president of sales at Aviation Partners Boeing, Patrick LaMoria, said: "The fuel savings alone justify investing in blended winglet technology, however there are many other benefits that make this technology so compelling.
"Enhanced performance, reduced environmental impact, and a high-tech image are all important considerations for our customers."
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